Work is continuing on the £95 million Newtown bypass project in Powys, Wales.

During a visit to the site on Monday, First Minister Carwyn Jones said the project is a "great example of the Welsh Government's commitment to invest in our transport infrastructure, help industry grow and deliver for communities in Mid Wales."

"I've been really pleased to see the progress being made on the Newtown Bypass," he said.

"This is a significant development which will improve safety, relieve traffic congestion and ensure better access to jobs and services, delivering a real boost to the local economy."

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Contractors are now more than two years into building the project, which consists of a 6.5km long bypass to the south of Newtown extending from the A489 Llanidloes Road near Glandulas Holiday Park (West of Newtown) to the A483 Pool Road (East of Newtown)..

The scheme will improve safety by allowing large high sided heavy goods and agricultural vehicles to travel through the area away from residential areas as well as reducing traffic congestion on nearby roads.

During his trip, First Minister Carwyn Jones met with the workforce including apprentices working on the bypass. So far, £10.3m has been spent on employing people from Wales which includes apprentices, while Welsh SMEs have also benefited from £11.5m spend as a result of the bypass development.

Minister Jones said: "A strong emphasis has been placed on providing local employment and training opportunities and there are currently 16 apprentices and graduate trainees working on the bypass which is really good news.

"We have also worked closely with Powys County Council to develop Active Travel provisions which have been included as part of the scheme."

(LM/MH)